Walk Report
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The Amblers Flooded Out - 21st March 2011
The pleasant, gentle strolls enjoyed by the Amblers Group are not usually renowned for adventures, over and above the loss of a glove or an untied shoelace. In March, however, after a springtime amble along the estuary path enjoying the daffodils, the lambs and the birdsong, we arrived back at the Conder Green picnic site to find that the road from the car park was flooded by the high tide.
We were ready for our lunch, but the café on our side of the flood was closed, and the pub was on the other side. The options were to contain our hunger for an hour while we waited for the tide to go down, or to walk through to Glasson Dock to find some food and walk back again, or to find a way of getting through the flood.
One member tried driving her car through the water, but thought better of it and came back. One or two others considered wading, but this was not a realistic option without wellies.
Then, one intrepid member of the group, who was driving a vehicle that was a bit higher off the ground, volunteered to ferry us through in two journeys. When we were in the middle, he told us that he had once lost a car by driving through a flood. Nevertheless, on this occasion, we did arrive safely on the other side.
We were very pleased to arrive at the Stork Hotel for lunch, where the menu included interesting South African dishes which came with a free dessert.
By the time we had finished lunch, the flood had gone down, so all was well. Not exactly a helicopter fell rescue, but certainly a different ending to our amble on a beautiful spring day.
Jill Rouse
Photo: Kate Mabson
